From Veterinarian to Realtor: A Journey Into Rural Real Estate

Maggie Horne • November 15, 2023

By: Maggie Horne

A question I get asked time and time again, from both clients and from fellow realtors is, “why in the world did I make the career switch from Veterinarian to Real Estate Agent?” or “Why would I give up a career in Veterinary Medicine and why did I choose a new career in real estate sales?” It’s a fair question and at first glance it appears as a highly questionable career move with no connection between previous and current careers. Medicine versus Sales & Marketing? Who would do this?

Allow me to provide a little background information to help set the stage. In 1982 I graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, followed by a one year internship in large animal medicine and surgery at Cornell University in New York. After returning to Ontario for 2 years of private equine practice near Ottawa, I then moved back to the City Guelph in 1985 to enroll in a 4 year Doctor of Veterinary Science degree specializing in Large Animal Surgery.

So it would seem natural that with all that specialized training and academia, the next step would be to pursue employment with a private surgical clinic or pursue a tenure-track, academic position at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital. THAT WAS THE PLAN! But, as plans often go, life threw me some curveballs. There were no positions available at the Ontario Veterinary College, or at any private clinics at the time. My husband, also a veterinarian, was well established in a specialized cattle practice; we had bought a farm 10 minutes outside of Guelph and we had 2 young sons. So the option of moving out of province or even out of country to pursue my surgical career, was not a viable option. While I did operate a mobile equine practice for the next few years, I did not find that as fulfilling and I missed the academic setting. As well, the years of physical distress from dealing with horses in discomfort, was taking its toll on my body. My husband and I operated a horse breeding program, breeding Dutch Warmbloods for the hunter/jumper market, which kept me involved with veterinary medicine.

While pondering my next move, a friend suggested that I should consider a career in real estate, specializing in rural and farm properties, in particular horse farms. My background and my husband having grown up on a dairy farm and being a successful cattle veterinarian, and given that we owned, lived on and operated a 106 acre farm near Guelph, the idea did not seem that far-fetched to me. I knew the horse industry, the cattle industry and farming industry; I lived on a rural property so I understood the nuances of rural lifestyle and I had been living inWellington County for over 20 years! So I decided to follow my gut and obtained my real estate license in 2001, followed by my Broker’s License. After, I launched 2 websites:HorseFarmsOntario.com andCountryHomesOntario.com and built my business as a rural real estate specialist. The academic side of me loves educating people about the nuances of rural living: well, septics, environmental and conservation authority issues, to name a few.

In 2023, I was approached by Andra Arnold to join her team to provide a rural approach to her already amazingly successful business team. Several things influenced this decision, but most importantly was her team motto, “HERE TO HELP.” No matter what our clients need before, during and after their property transaction, we help get it done and get them settled. Being of assistance and a resource is what I have always strived to do for my clients, so why not work with a team with the same philosophy? So here I am, and loving every minute of it!

Oh, and by the way, I do sell houses in town too - especially for people downsizing from a country property, people needing to sell their existing houses in order to purchase a rural property, and for their family members & friends. If I can be of help to you for any of your current or future real estate needs, I’m just a phone call away!

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